Elvis
by the Presleys
The
"Target" Bonus DVD
Target
stores in the US are offering a limited edition of
the Elvis by the Presleys 2CD featuring a bonus DVD
with selections from the upcoming 4 hour DVD version
of the titular release.
The
"bonus disc" makes fascinating viewing with
two nicely produced chapters:
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Driving
Mrs. Presley
This
chapter is an informal chat between Priscilla and Memphis
Mafia member, Jerry Schilling, as they drive around the Los
Angeles area. Basically Priscilla and Jerry reminisce on life
with Elvis and it is a revealing, funny and colorful discussion.
Among
the themes covered are:
- Priscilla
coming to Graceland
- Priscilla's
favorite Elvis songs
- the
L.A. homes
- The
Beatles meeting Elvis with a great quote from Paul McCartney
and interesting observations about John Lennon by Priscilla
- Neil
Diamond lived next door to Elvis!
- the
Harum Scarum hair dye incident
Elvis
- The Generous
This
chapter opens with a yuletide wish from Elvis and segues
into home video of Christmas at Graceland both when
Elvis was alive and Christmas 2004. There is some great
footage including Lisa Marie's first Christmas and of
Elvis' favorite Graceland cook, Pauline (who still cooks
the Christmas dinner at Graceland!)
The
Christmas theme gives way to Elvs' great generosity
- Jerry Schilling recounts the time Elvis bought 40
trucks and shows us the home Elvis bought for him in
the 1960s.
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More
importantly the viewer learns how Elvis didn't want to grow
old amassing millions of dollars. Rather he wanted to enjoy
and share his good fortune with others. Was Elvis materialistic?
Priscilla exposes one of the myths in the Elvis story.There
are various interviews with Lisa and Priscilla, Patsy Presley
Geranen (Elvis' double first cousin) and Jerry Schilling.
Throughout
this chapter clips from the '68 Comeback Special are played
as is rare archival video footage, including great color footage
of Elvis and friends attempting to fix the Elvis Presley Tupelo
Youth Center sign which had collapsed (guys...don't give up
your day jobs).
More
recent footage includes the opening of Presley Place (initiated
by Lisa and Priscilla).
Fittingly,
the chapter closes using If I Can Dream from the '68 Comeback
Special.
Elvis
- The Generous is complemented by a fine Elvis soundtrack.
Verdict:
The "Target" bonus DVD is an intriguing release
which suggests the 4 hour "Elvis by the Presleys"
DVD will be a mandatory addition to every fan's Elvis library.
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